Tuesday, 10 November 2015

NOEL

Good Tuesday Morning everyone

I hope you all had a good week & a restful weekend.

I had an uneventful week last week except for going to see Claire who was signed off sick for the week. She a knife like pain in Back and it travels down to her left cheek. He put on on some painkillers and told her to see an osteopath. She took the painkillers for 2 days and felt she was floating but she had no pain. Then she worried as the baby wasn't moving so much so she stopped taking them. Within 24hrs the pain was back. She went back to school today ( Monday ) as it's parents night tomorrow, and she said she had to get everything ready for that. At 11.45am I had a call from her she has been sent home as she was in tears with the pain. She teaches the really tiny munchkins with very low tables and tiny chairs and the bending over makes the pain worse but now it is going down her leg. I said I would go and collect her but she stubbornly said she would manage. So I'm biting my nails waiting to hear what the doctor has to say.

While typing this message, I have received my 5th nuisance call this month from the same number. All the other calls have been silent, but you can hear breathing, today's call was different he growled then cut the call. I have reported it to off com and they have raised a complaint of silent call, and they advised me to raise a civil complaint to the police as it has gone from silent to abusive ,and I think I might get BT's choose to refuse package.

This weeks card is totally for me.The focal back ground was a total accident but I liked it so thought I would go with it but would add a few more flakes, you'll understand more with the how to make card. I hope!

Here goes!

How To make:- I started with mat & layering my card with Black Silver & coconut White card and using the embossing folder on the coconut white. Next I cut a Noble square out and backed it with acetate to make a floating back ground card. I put some sticky pads on the back and mounted it onto another piece of acetate that I had covered with a sticky sheet and covered it with Ebony Ice glitter and burnished it until it was a thin coating. I then held a piece of black card up to back the acetate, but picked up the wrong piece. It had a snowflake cut out of it, but under my daylight lamp I could see the snowflake through the glitter and acetate. So I decided to cut random snowflakes on the right piece of black card . I added some sticky pads to the back of the acetate with glitter before attaching the snowflake cut piece of card to allow the light to shine through, I cut the Noel Star die and glued to the front and cut a second one and just cut the star out to decoupage the star. I then attached the frame to the main card. I cut out some poinsettias, leaves and twigs and arranged around the frame. When taking the photo's I realised that the snowflakes didn't show as well unless you took the photo straight on, but being acetate you could see the camera and me in the reflection, hence sideward pictures.For another effect took the focal frame off the main card before it had 100% dried and put it on a clear plate stand so that you could see the snowflakes more. It looks lovely with a battery tea light behind it for a twinkling effect. I would do this frame again by using striplet die, a fancy heart die for valentine or a lovely lacey die and a sentiment of your choice on the front piece of acetate. Just for reference when I took the frame away from the main card I then took away a layer of sticky pads and stuck velcro discs to the card and the frame so thatit can be taken off easily, or you could put magnetic patches and stick the frame to your fridge . I hope I haven't confused you with this make. If I have you only have to ask.

Tutorial on Thursday, don't know what. Any requests.

Hope you like this weeks card, Take care all and have a good week, Same time same place next week!

42 comments:

Hi Tina,Oh my word I really don't know what to say....your card today has taken my breath away! now I don't normally fancy black for Christmas but I've changed my mind after seeing your card today.....it's just so elegant, classy and stunning!! Your poinsettias look so magical and look perfect with the added branches and leaves. Oh Tina you are truly clever designer.Oh I do hope you have heard from Claire and everything is allright, she really does need to be at home resting....sending you both gentle hugs because I know you'll be worried out of your mind. Maybe the baby is lying on a nerve which sometimes happens.Then on top of all this you have to put up with nuisance calls....I had one that just yawned the other day, I never pick up unless I know the number and as soon as it goes to the answer phone it stops. Clive always used to say 'if it's important they'll leave a message'.Take care dear friend and I'm thinking of you and Claire.Love and hugs Sheila xxxx

Claire has been put on some new tablets and the doctor has reassured her they are in no way detrimental to our baby girl. Like all expecting mums we are/ were always concerned. It's a case of seeing how these pain killers affect her, but he has said this pain is unlikely to go until the baby is born. I could cry for Claire. we have so looked forward to this and to see her in so much pain is unbearable.

Just lately I have let the answer phone take the calls, but I was waiting to hear from Claire, and this brainless plonker was on the other end. Sad Man!

Sheila, Thank you. What a fantastic comment to leave me, I don't know what else to say.

You take care and look after yourself, ans look forward to seeing you next week.

Hi Tina. So sorry to hear about Clare, there is nothing worse than having a bad back but to be expecting at the same time must be awful for her when she should be enjoying this very special time. Fingers crossed that the pain eases and it goes when she has had your precious granddaughter. I was having trouble with nuisance calls and i tried all sorts to make them stop, at the finish i bought some new phones that blocks unknown and withheld numbers and to be honest its the best thing i have done. I know its a bit on the expensive side but you wouldnt believe how quiet my phone is now lol. I hope you get it sorted as you have enough on your plate at the moment. Your card this week is gorgeous and the background is very effective. I can see where you are coming from when you said to use different dies for different occasions. The poinsettias are stunning with the leaves and those twigs give such a different look to the finished card. Take care of yourself Tina and hoping Clare is feeling better soon.Best Wishes.Denise T x

Thank you for your kind thoughts about Claire. She did say to me yesterday, I hope you only want the one grandchild. I said I will be happy how ever many you choose to give me.

I am going to look into the different options with BT to block out all nuisance calls, and I get at least 4 time wasting calls wanting to sell solar panels, pensions and, I understand you have had an accident recently. I I'm so glad that I still have my marbles, but it is so sad for the unfortunate people that don't, and get ripped off. This sad little waste of oxygen that is pestering me will get his comeuppance I'm sure.

On a lighter note. I'm really pleased you liked this weeks card and can see to use different dies. Thank you DeniseX

Your card today is simply elegant. I don't usually go for black but I do like the combination you used here. Your poinsettia are just beautiful, they look real. The snowflakes on the black card is very clever.

Morning Tina, You always come up with such wonderful creations, I like the Ebony ice but do not see many cards made with it, I cut out the angel die and covered it in ebony ice but it looked really awful, it made her look as though she was covered in black feathers, so that was my example not to do again..........haha,, I bet you never do that..............I am going to have a go at this card and see if I can create it in the same way, I also like the Noel die and have used it on a few of my Christmas cards this year.

Thank you June, I know what you mean about the ebony ice. It does seem to give everything a beard like look, and my goodness it's hard to keep under control too. Trust me June I have one disaster after another, especially with anything that sparkles. Glad to hear you are going to give this card a go.

Hi TinaSo sorry to hear about your Clare ,it sounds like a trapped nerve, hope she gets sorted soon. as for your nuisance calls i know what you are going through i hope they get it sorted soon too.Loving your card Tina, your Poinsettia are really gorgeous ,i am now going to get my Swiss Dots folder out as i dont use it often enough, { just right for Christmas card backgrounds }Take care Elaine H X

Thank you Elaine. Glad you like the card this week, and glad you will use your Swiss dots folder, as I use it for looking like snow. Will keep you informed about the nuisance call, and thank you for your thoughts for Claire.X

Morning sweetheart.Magnificent is all I have to say. It looks like the card is floating with the clear display, very clever. Not a great week (just about to text you).I think you should have a referee whistle by your phone for when that sad evil idiot rings against and let him have it good n proper then let's see what's ringing more, your phone or that idiots ear's !!Sending love n hugs Steph xx

Hi Tina Gorgeous card today and the flowers are beautiful Sorry to hear your Daughter not well at the moment and having those phone calls causes so much worry just when you do not need it .Thinking of you and Family hope your Daughter improves very soon rest she needs and a cuddle xxjeanie

Hi Tina,I really like this card but it's such a shame the snowflakes don't show up more. It's got a bit of a Japanese feel to it - really clean.

I love Steph's idea about the referee whistle, but it gave me MUCH satisfaction a few days ago when I got yet another phonecall from somebody who said he was from Talktalk and I just said two words very clearly: "P*** Off". If you want to be rude (and why not??) Why don't you also try this.So sorry to hear about Claire, I hope she is better now. Has she tried acupuncture at all? I swear by it, but it needs an experienced person to do it.More in the next couple of days, I promise.Hugs, Rose

Paul has given me his walking whistle to keep by my phone, just in case. So you remember to say hello really fast next time you call!

Thank you for thinking of Claire, she has been to an osteopath, and has to go back on Friday. She just feels that she has to be at school as it's parent night, week and they want to know how their little munchkins are progressing and if she needs to go off sick at least the parents know what to do to encourage their little ones.

Hi Tina, what a week you are having, I do hope that Claire is feeling much better now. You always worry about your children and their partners no matter what, but add in a tiny baby and its just constant worry. You can well do without the nuisance calls. You have to wonder about some people.Your card today is beautiful, I am not usually keen on black Christmas cards, but have to admit I am being slowly converted. The poinsettias are stunning - will really have to have some of this Snow Fibre Paper.Take care hope you have a better week this weekWendyx

Thank you for your thoughts about Claire, and I agree, we will never give up worrying about our children and poor Claire has all these extra feelings to come.

I will deal with these nuisance calls, I have dealt with worse, it will be sorted I'm sure.

I'm glad I have slightly converted you to Black on A Christmas Card. I used to think the same, WHAT BLACK on a Christmas card, NEVER., but I now love it. Black is not a sad colour it just enhances. Oh well that's the way I like to look at it. Purple used to to a funeral colour, now everybody raves about it. I think it's how you use it. If you buy the fibre paper you won't be disappointed.

Hi Tina just hope that Claire will be okay and the doctor's are able to do something to relieve the pain x Good tip about the whistle, they'll never phone again! but you can also block numbers too so that they can't get through anymore xx Amazing card! I love the black, white and silver along with those gorgeous poinsettias and the snowflakes. Great idea to colour the leaves, it makes it pop even more x Gorgeous! "Thank you Tina" xx Love Karen xx

I'm sure Claire will be OK with the doctor's help and lot's more cuddles from us, Thank you. I agree with the whistle and Paul has already given me his walking whistle as he won't need it in the winter months. I'm going to look into blocking numbers too.

Hello Tina, This is just beautiful. I am sorry to read about Claire but this happened to me 47 years ago!! My brainless G.P. sent me for x-rays which, of course, the hospital wouldn't do because of the radiation!! It turned out that my baby was lying on nerves but the pain in my chest and back, going down my buttocks and leg were agony. It did go away after a week or so, but of course I wasn't having to sit on low chairs with low tables, helping little children. She should get a sick note, until it sorts itself out.Regarding the brainless moron who is doing nuisance calls, I have call recognition on my phone, but if I didn't, I'd let it ring until the answerphone cut in, and then ring whoever it was back, if I recognised the number.Sorry to ramble on, this is probably more information than you want!!!Maureen xxx

In a round about way, it's nice to hear that someone went through this and got out to other side. I will tell Claire. I agree about the sick note. She just wants to get through the parents evenings this week to let them know how their little munchkins are doing, so if she had to leave early she has done as much as she can, she has so much planned for them for their 1st Christmas at school, and I know she is very emotional about it. and wouldn't want to miss it.The little moron will get his comeuppance I'm sure. I did do a 1471 call back but there is one didget missing and just cuts off. Offcom said 5 didget numbers are normal in some parts of the country. So I said it would be easier to find the area that the call is coming from, but no answer from Offcom. So It's answer phone for me for a while.

You don't ramble by the way, and if you do you carry on here. Thank you

A stunningly beautiful card, your talent as a designer never ceases to amaze me. How you make your cards so beautiful and so individual to you is a joy.

I'm so sorry about Claire's back, it does sound like baby is pressing on her nerves, I hope its not an injury of any type. One each of my brothers and sisters did it to my Mum. I think all she can do is find a comfortable position to rest in as much as possible and wait for baby to move herself. I worked with the little ones for a short while and we had to let them come to my height as bending over holding all your weight through your arms is near on impossible. Children are remarkable in that if they know why they need to come to "you" they do it gladly as they love to feel helpful. Maybe she has a colleague who has experienced difficulty getting down low to those tinchy desks and had a strategy Claire can employ to allow her to keep working? Maybe the midwives can help her by suggesting some reasonable adjustments. I've never been pregnant but understand physical difficulties in that setting and often it's colleagues who have the answer if they've had a similar experience. Sending her hugs and I hope baby girl decides to change position soon.

On the phone front as tempting as a refs whistle is DON'T. It can damage hearing and as much as the **** deserves it people have been charged for damaging phone pervs ears (I know, wrong in so many ways). A long time ago an ex did this type of harassment to me (amonst others), if you call BT they can put a trace on your line and stop the calls even reaching your phone. They keep / kept records to give to the police too. If it's some nutter who's picked numbers at random then keeps going back to the ones that answer the police have evidence to charge them. Leave the answerphone on in between time and have a code for family who wouldn't use a mobile, don't use 3 rings... too predictable. Andys parents do 2 rings, hang up, 1 ring, then redial again. I also have caller ID... have kept itthe last 19/20 years too as this sort of thing can shake you up.

I've not done much this week. Had a dinner out last night for my friends 40th, made her a card I was proud of but was such a tight deadline I didn't get a photo. It's no matter as I made a similar 3 weeks ago. Was a tight deadline on that as I started it Saturday, migraine all day sunday, rush to complete Monday!

Hi Tina. Just came across ur blog I see ur on sues blog too. I have to say ur card really is stunning. Iove monochrome and Xmas is no exception. Ur flowers look amazing mine never look like that guess I need more practice lol

On ur daughters sciatica problem I can totally sympathise it's not nice at the best of times but whilst being pregnant too can make it a lot harder to deal with poor thing.

Nuisance calls. I don't answer if I don't know the number my hubby says the same thing if it's important enough they will leave a message. Why should u pay bt extra money to block it.?If it's been reported to police Bt should be helping u sort the blooming situation!! Hope it gets sorted soon u have enough on yer plate xxx

Welcome to my blog, it's lonely to have you on board here, and hope you will come back.

Thank you for your lovely comment about my card, and glad you like monochrome too.

I hope these pain killers help her, but she is so reluctant to take them if it makes our little baby girl quiet too. The doctor has reassured her they are totally harmless to the baby.

Ive reported it to Offcom and they have raised a complaint. But because he growled I have now to notify the police as it has become a civil matter. surely these companies should be working together, not making us go from one to the other.I've taken Steph's idea on board in the mean time, so here's to pieced eardrums when that Numpty calls again.

Hi Tina,Firstly sorry to hear that Claire isn't feeling too good, sounds like she has a touch of sciatica, tell her to try using a microwaveable wheat heat pad, I'm sure it will help.I hope that Summer is feeling better this week - meow :)I just love your card, the leaves and twigs just set the flowers of lovely.I'll look forward to your tutorial, I really don't mind what the subject is, just love reading them and learning.Hugs ~ Angela ~ xx

Hi TIna sorry I'm a day late again not sure where my days go.OH MY WORD WOW WOW WOW WOW your card is stunning TIna you make such beautiful cards. I love everything you have done In one word AMAZING

TIna I really hope Clair is on the mend I do sympathise sciatica is the most horrendous pain I have suffered a few times with it. I hope the little one changes her position so she isn't laying on the nerve.sending her some Hug's x

Hope your phone pest creep gets the message we had that BT intercepted our calls but in the end we just changed our number,Big Hug's Lynda xxx

Hello Tina, I'm sorry I've been AWOL but I've been away from home and just doing what had to be done with regard to emails etc! I'm so very sorry to read about Claire's back problem. I had the very same with my second child having sailed through the first pregnancy without trouble! The good news is - it does go away! Maybe not for a while though! I also taught Infants - how strange is that - so fully understand the constant bending. I do hope Claire manages to do as much as she would like to do without causing too much pain! The card - is gorgeous! I love it. I also love the snowflake decoration and will probably make some with my grandchildren. Sorry to hear about the other matter too! Some people lead very sad lives! I've gone on a bit and for that I apologise! Take care, my dear! Love Myra xx

Thank you Myra, even though you have been away, it's lovely for you come in and leave me a lovely comment. I spoke to Claire yesterday after another session at the Osteopath, and she was in pain, but she's doing all the doctor asked of her. So I guess it takes a sew sessions.

Regarding Claire's classroom, everything is so little, I'm not surprised she has a pain in her back, and thank you for the reassurance that it does go away.

Glad you liked the card this week and even more that you will be making the decorations with your grandchildren.

The other problem will be sorted, and don' apologise, you can talk as long as you like.

Hi Tina. I am so sorry I did not leave a comment about your previous, gorgeous card. Things have still been all up in the air a bit and it has been another difficult couple of weeks. When I saw this weeks card my first reaction was WOW !! Your card, and especially your Poinsettia's are just STUNNING !!!!!! Such beautiful crisp, clean, white flowers. I love the Noel die and the fab Noble Square dies to. I love your ideas with the snowflakes, glitter and acetate. Beautiful Tina !!! I like the look of the new laurel leaf dies. I love the shade of green you have used to make them. Thankyou Tina for another stunning card. X x x I am sorry to hear that Claire has not been feeling so well. I do hope things improve for her soon. I am sorry also, to hear you have been having nuisance calls. Being at home every day I get loads !!! We have a BT call blocker but we get loads of international out of area calls. I have had as many as fifteen in just one day !!! Unfortunately we cannot block these calls as we have family in other countries and we are scared they may not be able to call us any more if we block them. Thank you again Tina for your latest stunning creation. Take care, sending you lots of love and big hugs from Tres x x x

Hi my name is Tina.

I live in a small village near Salisbury in Wiltshire with Paul my husband. We have been married for 35 years and have two grown up children.I found Create and Craft on TV by accident which at the time had Sue
Wilson demonstrating her beautiful cards. I was instantly hooked.